Integrally sealed vibration dampening ball and socket joints
US4386869A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32745
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Integrally sealed vibration dampening ball and socket joints having a spherical member capable of swivelling relative to a socket member. A split metallic or high strength plastic bearing ring disposed with clearance in a shell has a concave spherical surface portion in swivelling engagement with the ball member, and a pair of symmetrically disposed resilient rings installed between the bearing ring and the inner surface of the shell constantly urge the bearing surface of the bearing ring in engagement with the spherical member surface to prevent rattle and to compensate for wear. Normal loads are taken by the resilient rings, and overload and shock load are taken by the bearing ring. A bellows seal, formed integrally with one of the resilient rings or, alternatively, formed separate is fastened at one end in the shell. The bellows seal is held elastically at its other end around a portion of the spherical member. A second seal, disposed in the same manner, seals the gap between the shell and the spherical member in structure where the spherical member is a hollow ball. Alternatively, the other end of the shell is closed by an integral or separate end cap in structures wherein the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.